The strength, deformation, and hydraulic properties of geomaterials, which constitute embankments, vary with fine fraction content. Therefore, numerous research studies have been conducted regarding the effects of fine fraction content on the engineering properties of geomaterials. Howe ver, there have only been a few studies in which the effects of fine fraction content on the soil skeletal structure have been quantitatively evaluated and related to compaction and mechanical properties. In this study, mechanical tests were conducted on geomaterials with various fine fraction contents to evaluate their compaction and mechanical properties focusing on the soil skeletal structure and void distribution. Furthermore, an internal structural analysis of specimens using X-ray computed tomography (CT) images was conducted to interpret the results of mechanical tests. As a result, it was discovered that the uniaxial compressive strength increased with fine fraction content, and the maximum uniaxial compressive strength was observed at a low water content, not at the optimum water content. Additionally, the obtained CT images revealed that large voids, which could ser ve as weak points for maintaining strength, decreased in volume, and small voids were evenly distributed within the specimens, resulting in a more stable soil skeletal structure.

Excessive salt content in soil has adverse effects on cotton production, especially during the germination and seedling stages. gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an important active substance that is expected to improve the resistance of plants to abiotic stresses. This study focused on two cotton cultivars (Gossypium hirsutum L.: Tahe 2 and Xinluzhong 62) and investigated the impact of exogenous GABA (0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 mM) on seed germination, seedling growth, and related morphological, physiological, and biochemical indicators under salt stress (150 mM NaCl). The results showed that salt stress significantly reduced the germination rate and germination index of cotton seeds (decreased by 20.34% and 32.14% for Tahe 2 and Xinluzhong 62, respectively), leading to decreased seedling height and biomass and causing leaf yellowing. Salt stress induced osmotic stress in seedlings, resulting in ion imbalance (marked reduction in K+/Na+ ratio) and oxidative damage. Under salt stress conditions, exogenous GABA increased the germination rate (increased by 10.64 similar to 23.40% and 2.63 similar to 31.58% for Tahe 2 and Xinluzhong 62, respectively) and germination index of cotton seeds, as well as plant height and biomass. GABA treatment improved leaf yellowing. Exogenous GABA treatment increased the content of proline and soluble sugars, with varying effects on betaine. Exogenous GABA treatment reduced the Na+ content in seedlings, increased the K+ content, and increased the K+/Na+ ratio (increased by 20.44 similar to 28.08% and 29.54 similar to 76.33% for Tahe 2 and Xinluzhong 62, respectively). Exogenous GABA treatment enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase, and reduced the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde, but had a negative impact on catalase activity. In conclusion, exogenous GABA effectively improved cotton seed germination. By regulating osmoprotectant levels, maintaining ion homeostasis, and alleviating oxidative stress, GABA mitigated the adverse effects of salt stress on cotton seedling growth.